Representing Sussex against Kent champion Kemp, of Margate Boxing Club, Verlander opened the first round with neat footwork and clinical punching. As the round progressed, Verlander switched his punches to his opponent’s body, resulting in the referee stepping in to give Kemp a standing eight count.

The second round started where the first had ended with Verlander picking his opponent off at will. Verlander landed a cracking right hand over the top which stunned Kemp and the referee stepped in to give another standing eight count, but this time Kemp’s corner threw in the towel.

Verlander is the Kent and Sussex champion and progresses to the Southern Counties final against the Hampshire and Surrey champion Walid Adenas, of Heart of Portsmouth BC, at the same venue this coming weekend.